Goings On

Bendleby Ranges shines with silver at Australian Tourism Awards

Luck by name only. Luckraft family focuses on ‘nature to nurture’ while navigating challenging business terrain.

The award recognises the Southern Flinders Ranges icon as one of Australia’s top adventure tourism businesses. The win follows gold in the November South Australian Tourism Awards. Kylie Luckraft, director, said, “Wow! We are ecstatic and so incredibly proud to be recognised with Silver at the Australian Tourism Awards!” The 2021 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards saw Bendleby competing against each state category winner. Some of the adventure tourism candidates were much larger operators. The win is gratifying for the small family-run business with only a handful of staff.

Succession planning success. Founders pass the baton that leads to silver triumph.

Jane and Warren Luckraft handed over the family business reins to Kylie and Charlie Luckraft a few years ago. What followed was a three-year drought plus COVID challenges. Like conquering their gnarly 4WD tracks, the Luckraft family and its small team rose to the rocky challenge. “We are very pleased and humbled recipients, thoroughly enjoying the continuation and growth of our family legacy,” director Charlie Luckraft said.

Bendleby focussed on the power of ‘nature to nurture’ during COVID

The stunning destination is a special place for many 4W drivers, campers and outdoor adventurers. During COVID, Bendleby posted beautiful images so people could experience some Flinders Ranges 'therapy'.

Watch this (15,000 hectares) space - the future looks bright.

Whilst the silver win is cause for celebration, the team is already busy with their next developments. Bendleby will stay true to its winning formula of 4WD, outdoor adventure and ‘nature to nurture’ focus. Plans include more choices for current fans and accessibility options to offer Bendleby Ranges magic to a new range of clients.

The future looks bright for Bendleby Ranges. Charlie, Kylie, Will, Annie & Ollie Luckraft savour their silver win.

Bendleby Ranges in good hands - Charlie and Kylie Luckraft.

Have a bucking good time

If you are looking to get your country on then why not consider heading out to the mother of the goldfields, Coolgardie, for their annual rodeo. The weekend of the 19-21 August will see the town’s golf course transformed into a sea of Akubras, big belt buckles and horses as competitors vie for supremacy in the bull riding, barrel racing and bareback bronc riding events. Free camping upon registration is available as part of your gate entry. For more information or to grab tickets go to: www.outbackrodeos.com

DESERT RACING

One of the toughest off-road racing events, the Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash, is on again from 28-31 July. Competitors will pit their machines against the unforgiving Gascoyne landscape as they race to be crowned 'King of the River'. Spanning two days, the event starts in Carnarvon with an overnight stop in Gascoyne Junction, before racing back to Carnarvon, across a 500km route. If you love motorsport then this is the event for you. Go to: www.gasdash.com or follow the event on Facebook to stay up-to-date.